In the short-lived International
Railway Modelling, Robert Forsythe advocates modelling of the NS in the
neglected period 1945-55 for its rich variety of imported locomotives and
stock - American, British, German, Swedish, Swiss - in the chaotic aftermath
of wartime damage and loss, and subsequent rebuilding. There are a number
of RTR HO locomotives now suitably adapted to represent NS use in this
period. Well established examples include former German engines such as
Class 94 0-10-0T's (Fleischmann 4095), Class 38 (Prussian P8) 4-6-0s (Fleischmann
4161), and newer Benelux models such as SNCB/NMBS 2-10-0 25021 (Roco 43268)
and the diminutive Swiss built 'Tigerli' 0-6-0T (Liliput L103308).

Liliput also produces
the Prussian State Railway Class T9 (German 91) 2-6-0T in a variety of
liveries from PSR to those railway systems such as the Netherlands, Belgium,
Luxembourg, France, to which these locomotives were allocated after hostilities
ceased as well as working German railways. The model of NS 7501 (DRG 911054)
is particularly interesting as it represents the transition from German
to Dutch ownership in 1946, and appears to be the only '91' transferred
to NS. It is modelled in German livery with its DRG number crossed out
in white and replaced by 'NS 7501'. Comparison of the model with a photograph
of the prototype in this 'hybrid' livery (N.J. van Wijck Jurriaanse, 1972,
p. 62) demonstrates the effective modelling by Liliput. The engine's characteristic
appearance is well captured by evocative representations of the tall narrow
chimney, squat flat topped dome, gilded bell and safety valves, blackened
Walschaerts valve gear and connecting rods and small driving wheels, protruding
cylinders and air cylinders on the front pony truck and rear frames. The
buffers are sprung and the headlamps on rear and front buffer beams work
in the appropriate directions of travel. Moulded application of riveting
and application of other small parts is sensitive and detailed; paint work
is smoothly applied matt finish black with red frames, footplate edges
and wheels; brakes and fittings below footplate level are well proportioned.
The use of red is somewhat bright and it is noticeable that some parts
are self-coloured plastic, detracting a little from overall consistency.
This is perhaps quibbling too much as the appearance of the model is excellent
and well portrays the character and scale of the prototype.

Scale couplings and hoses
are provided and the model is equipped with standard NEM fittings. The
engine performs well; it runs smoothly from first contact with the track
and the motor is quiet and refined in both directions of travel. One detail
omitted is a box/cupboard assembly on the right side of the smokebox, covering
brake equipment/cylinder, detailed parts on the model. Purists could easily
fit such an appendage, made with plasticard. This is a very pleasing and
exquisite representation of the prototype, evocative of a continuing link
between German and Dutch motive power and of the coming of peace to Western
Europe. It seems also a 'good runner'. If you are interested in this period,
this locomotive is well worthy of consideration.